Prairie Patchworks
Prairie Patchworks
In the wide-open prairies of Manitoba, Canada, a quiet mastery has been stitched together over a lifetime. Prairie Patchworks is a soulful short film honoring Zandra Hill — a life-long quilter, seamstress, and keeper of ancestral tradition. With every stitch, Zandra carries forward an ancient art, reimagining it with her own hands, heart, and spirit.
This intimate portrait, filmed by her grandson Ryan Ward, offers a rare window into the warmth, rhythm, and beauty of a life spent in devotion to craft. It’s a meditation on memory, heritage, and the deep storytelling woven into fabric.
Film Maker
Ryan Ward
United States
Ryan Ward is a video editor and cinematographer based in Austin, Texas, who is passionate about narrative and documentary storytelling. Ryan combines technical precision with creative storytelling to bring character-driven projects to life. A 2024 St. Edward’s University graduate with a BA in Media Art, he’s worked on advertisements, music videos, short films, and documentaries.
Film Master
Zandra Hill
- Craft
- Quilt Weaver
- Country
- Canada
Both of my grandmothers quilted. I grew up with their quilts in the house. They were utilitarian and had varied uses over the years.
I started to sew at age 13 and have been doing so continuously since then, though never the volume I have done since retirement.
I started quilting in 1998. My longarm came along in 2003, and I have been on one machine or both every minute I could be since that time.
My true love is traditional quilt patterns, but I branch out to more modern when the mood hits me. I love scrappy quilts and try to use every piece of leftover fabric I come across.
I love longarming for customers because I get to see quilts that I could not or would not have made myself. I think it has inspired me and increased my appreciation of the craft.
I quilt for my family, and I am very lucky that they all like quilts. Hopefully, they will be around for a few generations after and be a reminder of me.